President Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that during his state visit to India, solutions will be sought to the problems of visa for Maldivians visiting India and shortage of gravel used for construction in the Maldives.

President Yameen said this while speaking to the media at the airport prior to his departure to India on an official visit today.

“Discussions will take place during the visit regarding the problem of visa, one of the biggest problems faces by Maldivian students and Maldivians visiting India for medical reasons. Foreign Ministry and Immigration Department have worked with the Indian High Commission in Maldives in this regard, and we hope these efforts will lead to positive outcomes,” he said.

He said that the issue of shortage of gravel and other construction material will also be discussed during this visit.

“In terms of business activities and general conditions, Maldives is experiencing shortages of gravel and road boulders. Discussions have taken place in this regard before as well,” he said.

He said that he hopes that the discussions that have taken place prior to his visit will lead to solutions that are beneficial for the Maldives.

“These issues will be confirmed or finalised after my delegation speaks with the most senior officials of India,” he said.

President Yameen said that the major areas of discussions would be strengthening cooperation in health-related issues and business activities.

“Time is required by India to make certain arrangements. Our requests are not small, and they need parliament approval and so on. So far India’s response has been very positive,” he said.